LETTER TO MY 26-YEAR-OLD SELF.

Dear Peter,

They say you have to experience something to know if it’s for you, and like many young people, you were anxious to fall in love. You fell in love numerous times, and it wasn’t reciprocated, and in the third case, it was definitely for the better. She said that people were stuck up, and even though she would be like the truck driver your father worked with and wear the same clothes for a week at times, she was stuck up and mouthy. Think back to how she told the young woman who was supposed to be her friend, who asked if you could give and receive calls on your mobile phone, rudely replied, “What do you think you use a mobile phone for?” And how she said to the same woman, “Feed it to the birdies,” in a condescending tone. You were blinded by feelings. And don’t forget, she came to university with an Ellese watch, and designer label clothes. She only used you.

This time, you fell for someone who was so dishonest it wasn’t funny, but you found that you really weren’t the relationship kind. She was destructive, and you’ll need a long time to get reacquainted with the old you. The you who watches The Bill every Saturday night. The you who reads books. The you who will learn later on that you’re autistic.

Hang in there, it’s tough. You’ll be happier on your own, but you can do it.

Love 48-year-old Peter.